Targeting the FOXM1-regulated long noncoding RNA TUG1 in osteosarcoma
Yang Li1, Tao Zhang1, Yanhui Zhang1
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
Abstract:
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in the proliferation and metastasis of osteosarcoma. Identification of the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma and development of new therapeutic strategies against osteosarcoma are urgently needed. In this study, we evaluated the expression of TUG1 (Taurine Upregulated Gene 1) in osteosarcoma tissues and selected it as our target for further analyses. In vitro, we found that TUG1 was upregulated by FOXM1 (Forkhead Box M1) in osteosarcoma cells. TUG1 accelerated osteosarcoma proliferation, migration, and invasion by competitively sponging miR-219a-5p, leading to upregulation of Phosphatidylinositol-4, 5-Bisphosphate 3-Kinase Catalytic Subunit Alpha and activation of the protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway. In addition, the AKT pathway activation promoted TUG1 expression by upregulating the expression of FOXM1, forming a positive feedback loop in osteosarcoma. Furthermore, we designed and synthesized therapeutic locked nucleic acids targeting TUG1. The proliferation of osteosarcoma was significantly repressed. Hence, TUG1 may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.
Insights
Taurine Upregulated Gene 1 (TUG1) promotes osteosarcoma growth and spread by regulating miR-219a-5p and activating the AKT pathway. Targeting TUG1 with locked nucleic acids effectively inhibited osteosarcoma proliferation, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated in osteosarcoma progression.
- Understanding osteosarcoma pathogenesis and developing novel therapies are critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Taurine Upregulated Gene 1 (TUG1) in osteosarcoma.
- To explore TUG1 as a potential therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated TUG1 expression in osteosarcoma tissues.
- Assessed TUG1's in vitro effects on proliferation, migration, and invasion.
- Investigated the regulatory mechanisms involving FOXM1, miR-219a-5p, and the AKT pathway.
- Synthesized and tested locked nucleic acids (LNAs) targeting TUG1.
Main Results:
- TUG1 was upregulated in osteosarcoma and positively regulated by FOXM1.
- TUG1 promoted osteosarcoma proliferation, migration, and invasion via sponging miR-219a-5p, upregulating PI3KCA, and activating the AKT pathway.
- A positive feedback loop between AKT pathway activation and TUG1/FOXM1 expression was identified.
- TUG1-targeting LNAs significantly inhibited osteosarcoma proliferation.
Conclusions:
- TUG1 acts as an oncogenic lncRNA in osteosarcoma.
- The TUG1/miR-219a-5p/AKT axis is a key driver of osteosarcoma progression.
- TUG1 is a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.
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